It's the question we get asked most. The French Way and the Portuguese Way are the two most popular routes of the Camino de Santiago, and both have a great deal going for them. But they are quite different experiences. In this guide we explain the key differences so you can choose the one that best fits your situation.
Quick comparison: French vs Portuguese
| Feature | French Way | Portuguese Way |
|---|---|---|
| Total distance | 780 km (from St Jean) | 240 km (from Porto) |
| Distance from Sarria | 115 km | Not applicable |
| Typical duration | 30–35 days complete | 10–12 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate (Pyrenees at the start) | Easy–Moderate |
| Crowding | High (summer) | Moderate |
| Landscape | Plateau, vineyards, Galicia | Atlantic Portugal, Galicia |
| Infrastructure | Excellent | Very good |
| Estimated price | From €1,690 complete / €399 from Sarria | From €649 |
| Ideal for | Classic experience, long-haul | First-timers, limited time |
The French Way: the classic route
The French Way is the best-known and most-walked route in the world. It starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the French Pyrenees and covers 780 kilometres to Santiago, passing through Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos and León. It's the Camino that most people picture when they think of the pilgrimage.
Advantages of the French Way
- The most iconic route with the richest pilgrimage history
- Exceptional accommodation and service infrastructure throughout
- A very lively international atmosphere, with pilgrims from all over the world
- Variety of landscapes: Pyrenees, Castilian plateau, Rioja vineyards, green Galicia
- Can be done just from Sarria (115 km) if time is limited
Disadvantages of the French Way
- Very crowded in summer, especially from Sarria to Santiago
- The Pyrenees stage can be demanding for people without preparation
- The plateau (Burgos–León) can feel monotonous for some pilgrims
- Completing it in full takes between 30 and 35 days
The Portuguese Way: the perfect alternative
The Portuguese Way starts in Porto and covers 240 kilometres through Portugal and Galicia to Santiago. It is the second most popular route, and in recent years it has grown enormously thanks to its accessibility, landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere it offers.
Advantages of the Portuguese Way
- Shorter duration (10–12 days), ideal if you have limited time
- More accessible difficulty, perfect for first-timers
- Varied Atlantic landscapes: Portuguese coast, Miño vineyards, Galicia
- Exceptional Portuguese and Galician cuisine
- Less crowded than the French Way, more intimate atmosphere
- There is also the variant along the Portuguese Coast, even more spectacular
Disadvantages of the Portuguese Way
- Less historical prestige than the French Way for those seeking "the classic Camino"
- Some urban stretches in Portugal may feel less evocative
- Fewer hostels than on the French Way (though still sufficient)
Which is better for beginners?
If it's your first Camino and you have between 10 and 14 days available, the Portuguese Way is the most recommendable option. It has well-balanced stages, very good infrastructure and a difficulty level that suits people with no prior hiking experience.
If you have more time or want the most iconic experience, the French Way from Sarria is ideal: you only need 5-6 days and the pilgrim atmosphere is unbeatable.
Choose based on your profile
🕐 You have less than 2 weeks
The Portuguese Way (10-12 days) or the last 100 km from Sarria (5-6 days) are your best options. Both allow you to earn the Compostela.
🏔️ You want the full classic experience
The full French Way from St Jean (30-35 days) is the Camino par excellence. Variety of landscapes, history and international atmosphere.
🌊 You're drawn to Portugal and the Atlantic
The Portuguese Way or the Coastal Portuguese Way are perfect. You combine Portuguese culture, gastronomy and Atlantic landscapes.
👫 You're travelling as a couple or with family
The Portuguese Way or the last 100 km from Sarria are the best options thanks to their accessibility and variety of accommodation.
🧘 You're looking for peace and fewer people
The Portuguese Way outside peak season or the English Way offer a more intimate and less crowded experience.
Still not sure which route to choose?
Tell us your situation and we'll recommend the route that best fits your time, fitness and budget. No commitment.
Get free advice →Frequently asked questions
Does the Portuguese Way qualify for the Compostela?
Yes. The full Portuguese Way from Porto exceeds the minimum 100 km required. If you start from Tui or Valença (the final stages in Galicia), you also receive the Compostela as long as you cover more than 100 km.
Which of the two is cheaper?
The Portuguese Way tends to be somewhat cheaper overall because it is shorter. The daily cost is similar on both routes: accommodation, food and transport. With an agency like ours, the organised Portuguese Way starts from €649 and the French Way from Sarria from €399.
Can I combine both routes?
Yes. A popular option is to do the Portuguese Way to Santiago and then continue on the Way of Finisterre (3-4 more days) to reach the End of the World.
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